Natural disasters and outages can strike without warning. Now is the time to prepare for an emergency pantry and survival backpack.

This Public Service Announcement allows you and your loved ones to become self-sufficient for 72 hours. They're quite easy to organize and manage, and you will thank yourself if you need them. Hopefully, never. The European Union and the United States recommend that every household prepare for at least three days on its own.

This requires stockpiling water, food, and basic supplies ahead of time in case some of the events take place and disrupt our lives.:

• Earthquakes;
• storms;
• Fires;
• Floods;
• Power outages;
• Water supply disruption;
• Telecommunications interruptions;;
• Pandemics;
• Other natural disasters
• War, geopolitical and military conflicts

As a general rule of thumb, aim for approximately two liters, one half gallon of water per person per day, that is roughly six liters 1.5 gallons for three days.

Also, keep a three-day supply of ready-to-eat foods - canned goods, energy bars, dried fruit, or nuts - along with a manual can opener​.

Additionally make sure to have battery-powered flashlights, with spare batteries, a portable radio that is  battery-operated or hand-cranked and phone chargers power banks).

These items can keep you safe, warm, and fed when major natural disasters, human-triggered events, blackouts, or other crises cut off power, water, or communications.

Emergency Pantry

Here's a detailed list of basic items you should always have at home.

• Water for drinking and hygiene: At least one gallon (about four liters) per person per day​. Store extra for cooking and cleaning;
• Non-perishable Food: Canned meats, vegetables, fruit, energy bars, dry cereal, peanut butter, etc. Include a manual can opener​;
• First Aid and Medications: A well-stocked first aid kit (bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers) and a three-day supply of prescription medicines with copies of prescriptions​;
• Lighting and Power: Flashlights or headlamps with spare batteries. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to get emergency alerts. Have extra phone batteries or a power bank;
• Emergency Tools: A whistle to signal for help. A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities if needed. Waterproof matches or a lighter in a safe container. Duct tape and a multi-tool (knife or multi-function tool) can be very useful​​;
• Sanitation Supplies: Toilet paper, moist towelettes or baby wipes, soap and hand sanitizer. Garbage bags and plastic ties can be used for sanitation or as makeshift rain gear;
• Warmth and Clothing: Blankets or sleeping bags for each person. Warm clothing, socks, hats and gloves for cold weather. In summer, include a hat and sun protection. Emergency (space) blankets are compact and help retain body heat​​;

• Important Documents and Cash: Keep copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical information in a waterproof bag. Store some cash in small bills for buying essentials if power or banks are down.

  Remember basic toiletries, tools and medical supplies and just in case, an emergency go bag for the road in the event of evacuation.
  Add backup power and light: battery-powered flashlights with xtra batteries, a portable radio either battery-operated or hand-cranked), and phone chargers (power banks.
  These items can keep you safe, warm, and fed when major natural disasters, human-triggered events, blackouts, or other crises cut off power, water, or communications.
  
  Emergency Backpack

• Here's the full list for the go-bag essentials:

• Water: At least 1 liter per person (more in hot weather). Carry water bottles or a water purification method (tablets or a filter)​;
• Food: Energy bars, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and other compact, non-perishable snacks. High-calorie "comfort" foods are good for morale​​;
• First Aid and Medications: Compact first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and necessary personal medicines​. Include any prescriptions, a blister kit, and pain relievers;
• Light and Power: Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, or keep a charged phone with a portable power bank​;
• Multi-tool/Knife: A sturdy knife or multi-tool for cutting, repairs, and protection. Include duct tape if possible;
• Warmth and Shelter: Emergency blanket or lightweight sleeping bag and a compact tarp or poncho​. Pack extra clothing layers (shirt, pants, socks, jacket) and sturdy shoes;
• Navigation and Communication: Local paper map and compass. Whistle for signaling. Include a list of emergency contacts on paper (in case devices fail)​;
• Hygiene: Hand sanitizer, toilet paper or wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste, and personal hygiene supplies (including feminine products if needed)​;
• Documents and Cash: Copies of ID, insurance, and bank info stored in a waterproof pouch. Carry some small bills and spare keys;

• Extras: Headwear (cap or beanie), dust mask, sunglasses. Pet or baby supplies, if relevant. A small notepad and pencil can be useful. Pack a few matches or a lighter in a waterproof case​;

  
  Disaster preparedness isn't just about supplies,it's about responsibility. In moments of emergency, those few who are prepared ease the burden on first responders and help their communities recover faster.

  
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  Please don’t forget to vote. The policies, resources, and leadership that shape emergency response begin at the ballot box. Spare a thought for those who didn’t, and commit to staying informed and engaged. Finally, pray for all the citizens who refused to vote or decided not to cast their ballot the last time around.